Bishop of Belgaum
Derek Fernandes was born on May 14, 1954, in Sirsi, then part of the Diocese of Belgaum. After attending school in his hometown, he entered the Propedeutic Seminary in Belgaum and subsequently moved to St. Peter’s Pontifical Seminary in Bangalore for his philosophical and theological studies. He was ordained a priest on May 5, 1979, and incardinated into the Diocese of Belgaum. Following his ordination, he held the following positions: 1979–1983: Parochial Vicar and later Parish Priest of Holy Cross Church, Dharwad; Parish Priest of Our Lady of Holy Rosary Church, Tumarikop; 1983–1986: Parish Priest of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, Modage (Belgaum) and Director of the Nirmala Nagar Orphanage; 1986–1990: Doctoral studies in Canon Law at the Urbaniana University, Rome; 1991–2002: Chancellor and Bursar of the Diocese of Belgaum; Member of the Board of Administration; Judicial Vicar; Consultor and Member of the Presbyteral Council; Secretary of the Pontifical Mission Aid Societies; Secretary of the Commission for the Laity; Administrative Director of St. Xavier’s High School and P.U. College; 2004–2006: Diocesan Administrator of Belgaum. He is currently the Chancellor of the Diocese of Belgaum.